Trane Split Heat Pumps
Trane split heat pumps are the most popular system type we install in the Phoenix metro area. A split system places the compressor and condenser outside your home and the air handler inside, connected by refrigerant lines. This configuration delivers excellent efficiency, quiet operation, and flexible installation options for homes of all sizes.
Trane offers five split heat pump tiers, from the budget-friendly Choice 14 to the ultra-premium Premier 20. We carry and install all five, but we've identified three that deliver the best value for Phoenix homeowners. Below, you'll find our honest side-by-side comparison and expert recommendation.
Why Choose a Split Heat Pumps?
Split systems are the right choice for most Arizona homes. They're more efficient than package units because the air handler is inside (in conditioned space), and they offer a wider range of efficiency levels and features. If your home has an existing split system, a closet or attic for the air handler, and accessible refrigerant line routing, a split heat pump is almost always the best option.
Heat pumps are especially efficient in Arizona because they don't need to work as hard to extract heat from outdoor air in winter - even on our coldest nights, there's plenty of thermal energy available. This makes heat pumps significantly more efficient than gas furnaces for heating in our climate, while providing the same cooling performance as a traditional AC.
Compare Split Heat Pumps Models
| Specification |  Value |  Enhanced |  Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEER2 Rating | Up to 15.2 | Up to 17.4 | Up to 19.2 |
| HSPF2 Rating | Up to 7.8 | Up to 8.5 | Up to 9.5 |
| Compressor | Climatuff Single-Stage | Multi-Speed Inverter | Climatuff Variable-Speed |
| Stages | Single | Multi-Stage (6 speeds) | Variable |
| Sound Level | As low as 72 dB | As low as 68 dB | As low as 55 dB |
| Warranty | 10-Year Limited Parts | 12-Year Limited Parts | 12-Year Limited Parts |
| Comfort | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Efficiency | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
Choice 14 Heat Pump
Value Priority 17 Heat Pump
Enhanced Premier 18 Heat Pump
PremiumNot sure what these compressor types mean?
Understanding the difference between single-stage, multi-stage, and variable-speed is one of the most important decisions when choosing a new system.
Read Our Compressor GuideOur Expert Recommendation
For most Phoenix homeowners, we recommend the Priority 17 (XR17). It hits the sweet spot between efficiency, comfort, and value. Its multi-speed inverter compressor operates across 6 stages, running at the lowest effective speed about 80% of the time and only ramping up on the hottest days. That means lower energy bills, better humidity control, and significantly quieter operation compared to any single-stage system.
If budget is the primary concern, the Choice 14 (XR15) is a solid, reliable system that will cool your home effectively for years.
If you want the ultimate in comfort and plan to stay in your home long-term, the Premier 18 (XV18) with its fully variable-speed compressor is in a different class entirely. Variable-speed means the compressor continuously adjusts its output to match your home's exact cooling needs, like a dimmer switch instead of a light switch. The result is whisper-quiet operation, perfectly even temperatures room to room, superior humidity control during monsoon season, and the lowest energy bills of any Trane split system. It costs more upfront, but homeowners who experience variable-speed comfort rarely want to go back.
Not sure which compressor type is right for you? Read our guide to understanding single-stage, multi-stage, and variable-speed systems to see the real-world differences.
All Trane Split Heat Pumps Models
Detailed information on each model in the Trane Split Heat Pumps lineup.
Choice 14 Heat Pump
ValueChoice 14 / formerly XR15
Model: 5TWR4
Priority 17 Heat Pump
EnhancedPriority 17 / formerly XR17
Model: 5TWR7
Premier 18 Heat Pump
PremiumPremier 18 / formerly XV18
Model: 5TWV8
Choice 16 Heat Pump
EnhancedChoice 16 / formerly XR16
Premier 20 Heat Pump
UltraPremier 20 / formerly XV20i
The Choice 16 offers a modest efficiency improvement over the Choice 14 but remains a single-stage system. Its installed cost is close to the Priority 17, which delivers a much bigger jump in comfort and efficiency with its multi-speed inverter compressor. For most homeowners, the Choice 14 or Priority 17 represent clearer value.
The Premier 20 is Trane's absolute peak in efficiency, but the real-world comfort experience is nearly identical to the Premier 18. The additional energy savings ($100-150/year) come at a significant price premium, making the payback period long for most households. If you want variable-speed performance, the Premier 18 is typically the better value.
A2L Refrigerant Transition
All current Trane split heat pumps use R-454B (A2L) refrigerant, replacing the previous R-410A. This transition happened in 2025 as part of federal regulations to reduce the global warming potential of refrigerants. If you received a quote for a 4TWR or 4TWV model number, that was the R-410A version. Current models use 5TWR or 5TWV prefixes. The systems are functionally identical in performance - only the refrigerant and model designation changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Trane Split Heat Pumps systems answered by our team.
Ask Us DirectlyA single-stage system (like the Choice 14) runs at full power or not at all. A multi-stage system (Priority 17) has 6 speed stages and runs at the lowest effective speed for conditions. A variable-speed system (Premier 18 and 20) can continuously adjust from about 25% to 100% capacity. Each step up delivers quieter operation, better efficiency, and more consistent temperatures.
With proper maintenance, a Trane heat pump typically lasts 15-20 years in Arizona. The extreme heat is hard on all HVAC equipment, but Trane's Climatuff compressors and corrosion-resistant Spine Fin coils are specifically designed for these conditions. Regular maintenance (annual tune-ups, filter changes, coil cleaning) is the biggest factor in system longevity.
In Arizona, a heat pump is almost always the better choice. Heat pumps provide both cooling and heating in one system, and they're significantly more efficient at heating than gas furnaces in our mild winters. The only scenario where a gas system might make sense is if you have very low natural gas rates and your home already has gas infrastructure.
Interested in a Trane Split Heat Pumps?
We'll size the right system for your home, walk you through all the options, and give you a straightforward quote.